Singapore reaffirms stand on Jerusalem

The future status of Jerusalem should be decided through direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, said a Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) spokesman on December 7.

Responding to media queries following US President Donald Trump’s decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, the MFA spokesman said: “Any premature and unilateral action to alter the status of Jerusalem will impede progress for a peaceful resolution of the Middle East and Palestinian problem.

“Singapore reaffirms its longstanding and consistent support for a two-state solution, which will involve the establishment of an independent Palestinian state living side-by-side in peace and security with the State of Israel,” the spokesman added.

US President Donald Trump defied global opposition by recognising Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

Arabs and Muslims across the Middle East condemned the US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. The European Union and United Nations also voiced alarm.

France rejected the “unilateral” decision. Britain said the move would not help peace efforts and Jerusalem should ultimately be shared by Israel and a future Palestinian state. Germany said Jerusalem’s status could only be resolved on the basis of a two-state solution. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also said there was no alternative to a two-state solution.

Malaysia and Indonesia denounced Trump’s action.

Israel, by contrast, applauded Trump’s move.

Angry Palestinians switched off Christmas lights at Jesus’ traditional birthplace in the West Bank town of Bethlehem and in Ramallah. A tree adorned with lights outside Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity, where Christians believe Jesus was born, and another in Ramallah, next to the grave of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, were plunged into darkness.

India said its position on Palestine is independent and not determined by any third country.

India has historically supported the Palestinian cause and earlier this year Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas visited India. India’s ties with Israel have also been steadily warming since 1992 and this year Narendra Modi became the first Indian prime minister to visit Israel.